Channel sharing is a process of sharing multiple television stations on one transmission frequency. Because of the FCC spectrum repack auction, WIVB and WNLO will share WNLO’s RF channel. WIVB’s RF channel will be relinquished. WIVB will continue to display as 4.1 and WNLO will continue to display as 23.1 on your TV.

Why the change?

The FCC held a spectrum auction to help improve and expand wireless service across the country. This resulted in some stations voluntarily selling their frequency and others relocating to a new frequency. This repacking of the TV spectrum will create room for new wireless technology.

Will I need to do anything to continue watching WIVB and WNLO?

In general, no. You will not need any new or additional equipment to continue receiving WIVB and WNLO. You may, however, need to perform a channel scan on your TV or converter box. This function can be found in the menu of your TV or converter box.

When will this transition take place?

For WIVB and WNLO, the transition will take place on April 16th. On April 14th, WIVB will begin transmission on WNLO’s frequency (RF Channel 32). During the period of April 14th-16th, you may see WIVB show up twice on your TV. This is completely normal and expected. Early in the morning of April 16th, WIVB’s transmission on RF channel 39 will be turned off.

When channel will WIVB be on after the transition?

WIVB programming will still show up on virtual channel 4.1 on your TV. The RF channel that WIVB will broadcast on will be RF 32. This is the same RF channel as WNLO 23.1.

I watch on cable or satellite. What does this mean for me?

Cable and satellite subscribers will not need to do anything to continue receiving WIVB and WNLO. Our current agreements with local providers will continue after the transition is complete. Your provider will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that you continue to receive WIVB and WNLO programming.

Where can I find more info about this transition?

For more information about the FCC spectrum repack, visit tvanswers.org

After rescanning, I am no longer able to pick up WIVB. What should I do?

As part of the FCC repack, the transmission location of WIVB was moved from Colden to Grand Island. Redirecting your antenna towards Grand Island may help. You may also need to elevate your antenna or add a signal amplifier. In the southern tier, terrain and distance prevents the WIVB/WNLO signal from reaching some communities.

Did the transmission power of WIVB decrease?

No, in fact the transmission power of the new WIVB frequency is higher than it was in Colden. Location and elevation changes are the reason that WIVB's coverage has changed.